Older homes/good area Hour +/- of O'Hare (Chicago, Elgin: houses, neighborhoods)

[TylerCasey]

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping someone can help us out - we love big older homes. Stuff from the turn of the century, 1920s, 1930s etc. Would love a great neighborhood within about an hour drive to the airport. Partner is a flight attendant and would commute once or twice a week. Yes, we're a gay couple. Very mainstream, not "out there" at all. We're the kind of guys you'd be happy to have living near you - keep up the house well, manicure the yard, etc.

Not really concerned about school systems, other than for re-sale value. We have a dog who needs a decent yard.

Any ideas? Thanks for your help!! Oh yea, we can spend up to about 600k or so. Preferably less of course. Thanks again!

[mdz]

Check out Oak Park or River Forest. Commute is not bad at all to OHare. you should be able to find something you like for under 600K.

[Drover]

I noticed you posted this in the suburbs forum, but if you're also interested in city neighborhoods, you might check out Jefferson Park and Irving Park, both of which are right on the Blue Line (the CTA train to O'Hare), both of which offer good-sized homes on oversize lots in move-in condition well within your price range. Another area a little closer in but still within your 1-hour threshold (by auto at least -- pushing the 1-hour threshold by public transportation) would be Ravenswood Manor. That area might test your $600K threshold, but it's worth a look.

[oakparkdude]

I'd also suggest Oak Park. We're known for being a very gay-friendly community. The gay/lesbian community here tends to be much more sedate/mainstream than the Lakeview/Boystown gay community in Chicago. One of the village trustees (councilman) is a member of the OP Lesbian and Gay Association.

Lots of old houses with big mature trees. Most houses are from 1920-1940. You can get a house for 300K, but 4-600K is a more reasonable expectation. The older homes in the center of town are turn of the century (many Victorians) but will be generally over 800K. Schools here are excellent, consequently our property taxes are high.

[TylerCasey]

I saw some great looking homes in Flossmoor? Probably a tough drive to the airport huh? His commute would be once maybe twice a week and not during peak times. Any other areas farther out, north maybe? where we could get a bit more yard/neighborhood? Thanks for the help!!

[nanannie]

I'd go with Oak Park,,,Evantston is great,but may be a tough commute.Elmhurst may be one to check out as well as Glen Ellyn and Wheton for older homes

[Bogey]

The non-rush hour commute from Evanston to O'hare runs about 45 or 50 min by car. I've looked at homes in Flossmoor as well. There are some well-priced, lovely homes there. Per Mapquest, the Flossmoor-O'Hare commute is around 50 min. Good luck in your search.

[preppyboyofIL]

Ever thought of the Skokie, Niles, Morton Grove, Park Ridge areas? There are alot of older homes in there as the Skokie area is known as an old Jewish community of where people seem to have money, so that being said, there are some really nice old homes in there. The area is mostly "old money" Check out areas along Dempster.

Another area to check out is La Grange. That area is loaded with old homes which line La Grange Road on large lots. Some of those homes in there are totally magnificent.

[SeanMark]

I'd suggest buying west of O'Hare for the best values. Most of the suburbs on the train lines have older homes in the downtown areas. Elign and the Dundees have some great historic districts. For information on gay life in the suburbs, check out OutInTheSuburbs.Com.

[nanannie]

I would stay clear of most of Elgin.Dundee is a very nice town-dont think its on the metra line though